Center Conversations

Dr. Guy Waters is the James M. Baird, Jr. Professor of New Testament and Academic Dean (for both the RTS Jackson campus and the RTS Brazilian partnership). He has a particular interest in the theology of Paul; the New Testament’s use of the Old Testament; biblical theology; and the relationship of the New Testament and Reformed Theology (particularly ecclesiology and the sacraments). He received his B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania (1995), his MDiv from Westminster Theological Seminary (1998), and his Ph.D. from Duke University (2002). Prior to coming to RTS Jackson in 2007, he served as Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies at Belhaven University from 2002-2007. Dr. Waters is the author or editor of numerous books, chapters, articles, and book reviews. He is presently working on a commentary on Galatians in the new Reformed Exegetical and Theological Commentary on Scripture (Crossway), and an introductory biblical theological survey of covenant theology. He is the General Editor of Reformed Theological Review, and an Associate Editor of the Reformed Exegetical and Theological Commentary on Scripture. Dr. Waters is a Teaching Elder in the Presbytery of the Mississippi Valley (PCA), and preaches regularly on top of his teaching.

Sandy Willson is a Biblical scholar who loves the Church, serving Christ's Bride as a pastor for multiple decades (Lookout Mtn Presbyterian Church; Second Presbyterian Church were his final two churches). In his years after retiring from senior pastor leadership, Sandy has served as interim pastor for several churches, empowering their leadership during seasons of transition, and now serves in this capacity as the interim president for The Gospel Coalition. During the interview Sandy mentions James Davison Hunter's new book, "Democracy and Solidarity" (TGC review here), David Brooks' book, "How to know a Person," and the political podcast, “You Might be Right!”

Dr. Guy Richard is President and Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at RTS in Atlanta, where he has served since 2017. Before moving into his current position, Dr. Richard served as the Senior Minister of the First Presbyterian Church in Gulfport, Mississippi (PCA), for 12 years. Dr. Richard has written four books, contributed to several others, written many articles (including several for Table Talk, Reformation21, The Gospel Coalition, and many others and he blogs regularly on his personal website, The Suburbs of Heaven.

Bryant received a Bachelor’s degree in Bible and New Testament Greek from San Diego Christian College where he also played college basketball. Upon graduation, he joined the Shadow Mountain Community Church pastoral staff under Dr. David Jeremiah where Bryant went on to create the Urban Ministries Department. He earned a Master of Arts in Religious Studies, a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies, and a Master of Divinity from Southern California Seminary and then a Master in Marriage and Family Therapy at Texas A&M University Central Texas. He earned his DMin. at Erskine Theological Seminary and is working on a PHD. Bryant Casteel lives on 20 acres near San Antonio, TX, is posted at Fort Bragg, and he with his wife Penny have eight (almost nine) children.

Dr. John V. Fesko presently serves at Reformed Theological Seminary (Jackson, MS) as a Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology (his research interests include the integration of biblical and systematic theology, soteriology, and early modern Reformed theology). He is an ordained minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, having moderated this summer’s General Assembly. Dr. Fesko has served in church planting, pastoral ministry, and teaching for more than twenty years. Dr. Fesko’s blog is Reformed Theology: In Piety, Practice, and Preaching and his most recent book will be the substance of our conversation today: The Giver of Life: The Biblical Doctrine of the Holy Spirit and Salvation.

Collin Hansen serves as vice president for content and editor in chief of The Gospel Coalition, as well as executive director of The Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics. He hosts the Gospelbound podcast and has written and contributed to many books, most recently Timothy Keller: His Spiritual and Intellectual Formation; Young, Restless, and Reformed, and A God-Sized Vision- Revival Stories that Stretch and Inspire. Among many other contributions, Collin Hansen also edited The New City Catechism Devotional. He is an adjunct professor at Beeson Divinity School, where he also co-chairs the advisory board.

Dr. Katie McCoy, a theologian, discusses a biblical view on sexuality and gender. She delves into the relevance of Old Testament laws, explores gender ideology, and advocates for compassion towards those with gender identity struggles. The podcast emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing these sensitive topics with grace.

God’s Perspective on marriage and family: Potential, pleasure, purpose, and pain points with Dr. Greg Smalley. Dr. Smalley serves as Vice President of Marriage and Family Formation at Focus on the Family (who is opening the "Hope Restored" center in Wimberley https://hoperestored.focusonthefamily.com/ ). Dr. Smally has served as president of the National Institute of Marriage, written 17 20 books! Including he and his wife, Erin, co-creating “Ready to Wed,” a complete premarital curriculum for engaged couples and the online Focus on Marriage Assessment ( https://www.focusonthefamily.com/themarriageassessment ). Dr. Smalley has a doctorate from Rosemead school of Psychology from Biola University in Southern CA and a degree from Denver Seminary. He is a joyful and authentic communicator who vulnerably shares from experience, and continues to grow by studying a marriage book with Erin every Christmas- well done! This is a fun interview you will enjoy and desire to share. *Please note when editing- Zach got a bit excited and started questions before I did the introduction- just a few minutes in. Should not hard to find or difficult to edit.

Michael is the lecturer in Old Testament at Carey Baptist College and recently released a new book: Just Discipleship: Biblical Justice in an Unjust World ( https://www.ivpress.com/just-discipleship ). Michael is also the author of Formative Feasting, Practicing the King's Economy (with Brian Fikkert and Robby Holt) along with numerous articles in popular outlets such as Christianity Today and The Biblical Mind. Rhodes has spent more than fourteen years involved in community development and urban ministry work, and is an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Buckle up- This episode is powerful.

This interview will both challenge and inspire as we journey together to understand God’s heart for LIFE. Joining Pastor Izzy and Pastor Mitchell is Dr. Ingrid Skop, a good friend and a true inspiration for many. Dr. Skop currently serves as Vice President and Director of Medical Affairs, Charlotte Lozier Institute. She is Board-certified obstetrician & gynecologist who practiced in San Antonio for decades, now giving her full focus to the pro-life movement in multiple capacities including serving on the medical board of Save the Storks and as medical director of AWC Centers (both key partners for FPC as we plan for a mobile unit that will be wheels down in Spring, 2024, able to serve women all over town). Links: Charlotte Lozier Institute: https://lozierinstitute.org Save the Storks: https://savethestorks.com AWC Centers: https://www.awccenters.com/